By Julia Asuquo
The Federal Government has inaugurated a ministerial implementation committee to drive the modernisation of laboratories and boost skills development in Nigerian polytechnics.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, said the initiative is designed to replace obsolete equipment with modern, industrial-grade facilities that will strengthen hands-on technical training.
He explained that the intervention, supported by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), will cover 37 federal and state polytechnics under the second phase of the Skills-G programme.
Dr. Alausa noted that unlike previous interventions focused mainly on infrastructure, the current phase will concentrate on upgrading laboratory ecosystems with equipment in mechatronics, robotics, renewable energy, advanced telecommunications, electronics and automobile engineering.
The minister added that the reform would introduce dual certification for graduates, enabling them to earn National Diploma or Higher National Diploma certificates alongside recognised National Skills Qualification credentials.
He said the committee would supervise ongoing interventions in 14 institutions, recommend polytechnics for the third phase in 2026 and ensure proper monitoring of engineering workshop upgrades.
Dr. Alausa emphasized accountability in the use of funds, warning that institutions that fail to comply with guidelines or misuse equipment could face sanctions, with quarterly reports to be submitted to the Ministry and TETFund.
Chairman of the committee and Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Professor Idris Bugaje, said the initiative would align Nigeria’s technical education with global standards, while TETFund Executive Secretary, Mr. Sonny Echono, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained funding and collaboration.
